If the coil slides around in the metal "ring" on the outside of it, could that be causing my car to not start, and randomly die? The guys at autozone said that that means my coil is shot, but I want a second opinion.

 

That's BS. All mine have always and still do that. That in it self is not a sign of anything. Ever wonder why they work at AZ.

That's not to say you don't still have A problem with the coil. If you look around the perimeter near the laminations, look for white dots. That's usually an indication it is firing sideways to ground through the insulation.

 

Is there an SES light? There may be an issue with the coil or an igntion related component, but what they told you is not it.

 

well, it wasnt the coil (i returned it), but the opti was dead. It was throwing the code for the low res signal, and when I took it off it was covered in oil (front main was leaking), Opened it up and it was mess. I just ordered a new one, and am in the process of replacing it now.